FLIN FLON REGAL CELEBRATION MAPLE TREE PLANTING

Friends, Manitobans, keepers of memory and promises – what a beautiful crisp morning to join you in celebrating two citizens who have dedicated decades to community and memory, heritage and history.

We are gathered on Treaty Five land, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and the homeland of the Metis people.

Although this area has been home to people for thousands of years, Flin Flon itself is one of Manitoba’s younger cities.

Founded in 1927 and incorporated six years later, Flin Flon’s birth occurred within the living memory of some Manitobans.

But of course, you can pack a lot of history into 92 years.

Today we are acknowledging the many contributions to the preservation and promotion of history made by two Flin Flon residents: Gerald Clark and Donald Peake.

They both were recognized in 2018 with the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Historical Preservation and Promotion.

So I am delighted to be able to acknowledge their contributions here in the city to which they have given so much in their roles as unofficial historian and unofficial archivist.

Whether developing historical walking tours and bringing recognition to under-acknowledged names from local history, or digitizing truckloads of archival materials and helping to maintain the history of mining in Flin Flon – their work has kept the stories and voices of the past alive right here.

It’s fitting that the acknowledgement of their contributions will also stay alive for many years to come.

In their names, these two trees will grow and provide shade and homes for birds for decades.

Planting a tree is a message to the future. It’s a promise. We nurture the sapling today so that people decades later will enjoy the big beautiful canopy and all the benefits that trees provide.
In the same way, by dedicating their energy, creativity and time to preserving the history and heritage of Flin Flon and Manitoba, Gerald Clark and Donald Peake have made a promise to the people of future and to the people of the past.

Thank you and may your service and dedication inspire others to make their promises to nurture community and understanding.